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Davies K, Ng WF. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:702505. [PMID: 34381453 PMCID: PMC8350514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.702505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease which primarily affects the exocrine glands, but can also affect other organs, including the nervous system. Many studies have reported evidence of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in pSS which may contribute to a wide range of symptoms and functional burden. Symptoms of ANS dysfunction are common and widespread among patients with pSS and are associated with other features of the disease, particularly fatigue. Accumulating data on the inter-relationship between the ANS and the immune system via the vagus nerve have been reported. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has also been associated with improvement in fatigue in patients with pSS. Taken together, these data suggest that the ANS may be a potential treatment target for pSS, in particularly those with fatigue being a predominant symptom. Future research to dissect the link between the ANS, immune dysregulation and clinical manifestations in pSS and to evaluate the potential of VNS as a therapy for pSS is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Davies
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Wan-Fai Ng
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Ganglionic Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies and Autonomic Dysfunction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041332. [PMID: 32079137 PMCID: PMC7073227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomic neuropathy has been reported in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) including Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the pathophysiological mechanism underlying autonomic dysfunction remains unknown to researchers. On the other hand, autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder, which causes dysautonomia that is mediated by autoantibodies against ganglionic acetylcholine receptors (gAChRs). The purpose of this review was to describe the characteristics of autonomic disturbance through previous case reports and the functional tests used in these studies and address the importance of anti-gAChR antibodies. We have established luciferase immunoprecipitation systems to detect antibodies against gAChR in the past and determined the prevalence of gAChR antibodies in various autoimmune diseases including AAG and rheumatic diseases. Autonomic dysfunction, which affects lower parasympathetic and higher sympathetic activity, is usually observed in ARD. The anti-gAChR antibodies may play a crucial role in autonomic dysfunction observed in ARD. Further studies are necessary to determine whether anti-gAChR antibody levels are correlated with the severity of autonomic dysfunction in ARD.
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Bektas M, Seven G, Idilman R, Yakut M, Doğanay B, Kabacam G, Ustun Y, Korkut E, Kalkan Ç, Sahin G, Cetinkaya H, Bozkaya H, Yurdaydin C, Bahar K, Cinar K, Soykan I. Manometric assessment of esophageal motor function in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Eur J Intern Med 2014; 25:230-4. [PMID: 24534163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIM Primary biliary cirrhosis is associated with other autoimmune diseases including Sjögren's syndrome, and scleroderma. Esophageal dysmotility is well known in scleroderma, and Sjögren's syndrome. The aim of this study is to investigate whether any esophageal motor dysfunction exists in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. METHOD The study was performed in 37 patients (36 women, mean age: 56.29 ± 10.01 years) who met diagnostic criteria for primary biliary cirrhosis. Thirty-seven functional dyspepsia patients, were also included as a control group. Patients entering the study were asked to complete a symptom questionnaire. Distal esophageal contraction amplitude, and lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure were assessed. RESULTS Manometric findings in primary biliary cirrhosis patients vs. controls were as follows: Median lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (mmHg): (24 vs 20, p=0.033); median esophageal contraction amplitude (mmHg): (71 vs 56, p=0.050); mean lower esophageal sphincter relaxation duration (sc, x ± SD): (6.10 ± 1.18 vs 8.29 ± 1.92, p<0.001); and median lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (%) (96 vs 98, p=0.019); respectively. No significant differences were evident in median peak velocity (sc) (3.20 vs 3.02, p=0.778) between patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and the functional dyspepsia patients. Esophageal dysmotility was found in 17 (45.9%) primary biliary cirrhosis patients (non-specific esophageal motor disorder in ten patients, hypomotility of esophagus in five patients, nutcracker esophagus in one patient and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter in one patient). CONCLUSION Esophageal dysmotility was detected in 45.9% of patients. The study suggests that subclinic esophageal dysmotility is frequent in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bektas
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gulseren Seven
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Idilman
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Yakut
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Beyza Doğanay
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Kabacam
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ustun
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esin Korkut
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çağdaş Kalkan
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Günay Sahin
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hulya Cetinkaya
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Bozkaya
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kadir Bahar
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kubilay Cinar
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Irfan Soykan
- Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey
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Ng WF, Stangroom A, Davidson A, Wilton K, Mitchell S, Newton J. Primary Sjogrens syndrome is associated with impaired autonomic response to orthostasis and sympathetic failure. QJM 2012; 105:1191-9. [PMID: 22976617 PMCID: PMC3508582 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcs172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms in keeping with autonomic dysfunction are commonly described by primary Sjögrens syndrome patients (pSS); whether objective abnormalities of autonomic function occur is unclear. This study set out to explore dynamic cardiovascular autonomic responses in pSS and their relationship with symptoms and quality of life. METHODS Twenty-one people from the UK pSS registry, 21 community controls and 21 patients with the autoimmune liver disease primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) (matched case-wise for age and sex) attended for assessment of autonomic responses to orthostasis and Valsalva manoeuvre (VM). pSS patients also completed EULAR Sjögrens Syndrome patient-reported index (ESSPRI), EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), fatigue impact scale and EURO-QOL 5-dimension (EQ-5D). RESULTS Compared with controls, pSS patients had significantly lower baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) (114 ± 13 vs. 127 ± 20; P = 0.02), which dropped to a significantly lower value (98 ± 22 vs. 119 ± 24, P = 0.009). When area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for when the SBP was below baseline this was significantly greater in pSS compared to both control groups (pSS vs. control vs. PBC: 153 ± 236 vs. 92 ± 85 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3, P = 0.005). Peak phase IV SBP during the VM was significantly lower in pSS (P = 0.007) indicating early sympathetic failure. Increased heart rate associated with fatigue (P = 0.02; r(2) = 0.2) and EQ-5D. A shift in sympathetic-vagal balance associated with overall symptom burden (ESSPRI) (P = 0.04, r(2) = 0.3) and EULAR sicca score (P = 0.016; r(2) = 0.3), the latter also correlated with baroreceptor effectiveness (P = 0.03; r(2) = 0.2) and diastolic blood pressure variability (P = 0.003; r(2) = 0.4). CONCLUSION pSS patients have impaired blood pressure response to standing. Dysautonomia correlates with PSS-associated symptoms and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- W.-F. Ng
- From the Institute of Cellular Medicine and Institute of Ageing and Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - A.J. Stangroom
- From the Institute of Cellular Medicine and Institute of Ageing and Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - A. Davidson
- From the Institute of Cellular Medicine and Institute of Ageing and Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - K. Wilton
- From the Institute of Cellular Medicine and Institute of Ageing and Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - S. Mitchell
- From the Institute of Cellular Medicine and Institute of Ageing and Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - J.L. Newton
- From the Institute of Cellular Medicine and Institute of Ageing and Health and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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Pavlakis P, Alexopoulos H, Kosmidis M, Mamali I, Moutsopoulos H, Tzioufas A, Dalakas M. Peripheral neuropathies in Sjögren’s syndrome: A critical update on clinical features and pathogenetic mechanisms. J Autoimmun 2012; 39:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Hammar O, Ohlsson B, Wollmer P, Mandl T. Impaired gastric emptying in primary Sjogren's syndrome. J Rheumatol 2010; 37:2313-8. [PMID: 20810502 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.100280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of impaired gastric emptying (IGE) and its relation to autonomic nervous dysfunction (AD), functional bowel syndrome, and inflammatory and serological variables in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS Twenty-eight patients with pSS according to the American-European Consensus Criteria were included in the study. Gastric emptying was evaluated by the octanoate breath test from which half-time (t(half)) and lag-time (t(lag)) were determined and compared with the results from 50 healthy controls. Autonomic nervous function was evaluated by 5 objective autonomic reflex tests (ART) and by the Autonomic Symptom Profile (ASP) questionnaire evaluating AD symptoms. These results were compared with previously investigated healthy ART controls and population-based ASP controls. Patients were also assessed regarding symptoms of functional bowel syndrome. RESULTS The t(half) and the t(lag) were significantly prolonged in patients compared to controls. Forty-three percent of patients with pSS presented signs of IGE and 29% fulfilled the criteria for gastroparesis. Significant correlations were found between t(lag) and increased levels of IgG (p = 0.02) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; p = 0.01). In addition, rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositives showed objective signs of IGE to a greater extent than RF seronegatives. No associations between IGE, ART variables, ASP variables, or gastrointestinal symptoms were found. CONCLUSION IGE was common in pSS. Associations with inflammatory and serological features of pSS could imply immunological mechanisms behind the IGE. Objective signs of IGE were not associated with objective signs or subjective symptoms of AD or functional bowel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Hammar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
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Mild autonomic dysfunction in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a controlled study. Arthritis Res Ther 2008; 10:R31. [PMID: 18328102 PMCID: PMC2453776 DOI: 10.1186/ar2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular autonomic nervous system function in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with that in control individuals, and to correlate the findings with autonomic symptoms and the presence of exocrine secretory dysfunction. Methods Twenty-seven female patients with pSS and 25 control individuals completed the COMPASS (Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale) self-reported autonomic symptom questionnaire. Beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure data in response to five standard cardiovascular reflex tests were digitally recorded using a noninvasive finger pressure cuff and heart rate variability was analyzed by Fourier spectral analysis. Analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA, as indicated. Factor analysis was utilized to detect relationships between positive autonomic symptoms in pSS patients. Results Multiple, mild autonomic disturbances were observed in pSS patients relating to decreased heart rate variability, decreased blood pressure variability and increased heart rate, which were most evident in response to postural change. There was a strong trend toward an association between decreased heart rate variability and increased severity of the secretomotor, orthostatic, bladder, gastroparesis and constipation self-reported autonomic symptom cluster identified in pSS patients. This symptom cluster was also associated with fatigue and reduced unstimulated salivary flow, and therefore may be an important component of the clinical spectrum of this disease. Conclusion There was evidence of mild autonomic dysfunction in pSS as measured with both cardiovascular reflex testing and self-reported symptoms. Pathogenic autoantibodies targeting M3 muscarinic receptors remain a strong candidate for the underlying pathophysiology, but practical assays for the detection of this autoantibody remain elusive.
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Mandl T, Ekberg O, Wollmer P, Manthorpe R, Jacobsson LTH. Dysphagia and dysmotility of the pharynx and oesophagus in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol 2007; 36:394-401. [PMID: 17963171 DOI: 10.1080/03009740701607638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of pharyngeal and oesophageal symptoms and dysmotility in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and relate these to autonomic nervous function. METHODS Twenty consecutive pSS patients, according to the American-European Consensus Criteria (AECC), and 30 age- and sex-matched controls from the Swedish general population registry were studied. All subjects completed a pharyngeal and oesophageal symptoms questionnaire and were examined by pharyngeal and oesophageal video radiography. In addition, the pSS patients were examined by two different autonomic nervous function tests, the deep breathing test [calculating the expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio] and the finger skin blood flow test [the vasoconstriction (VAC) index]. RESULTS pSS patients experienced significantly more dysphagia compared with controls (65% vs. 3%; p<0.001). Pharyngeal (45% vs. 7%; p<0.01), oesophageal (80% vs. 7%; p<0.001) and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (60% vs. 23%; p<0.01) were also more prevalent in pSS patients compared with controls while pharyngeal (15% vs. 17%; p = NS) and oesophageal dysmotility (40% vs. 30%; p = NS) were not. Dysphagia was not associated with dysmotility but was found to be associated with a decreased E/I ratio [-1.05 (-1.51 to -0.40) in patients with dysphagia vs. -0.21 (-0.39 to 0.65) in patients without dysphagia; p<0.01]. CONCLUSION Subjective swallowing difficulties were more common in pSS patients than in controls while objective signs of pharyngeal and oesophageal dysmotility were not. Dysphagia in pSS patients does not seem to be related to video radiographical signs of dysmotility but may be related to an impaired parasympathetic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mandl
- Department of Rheumatology, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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van Bijsterveld OP, Kruize AA, Bleys RLAW. Central nervous system mechanisms in Sjögren's syndrome. Br J Ophthalmol 2003; 87:128-30. [PMID: 12543734 PMCID: PMC1771502 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.87.2.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Sankar V, Brennan MT, Radfar L, Leakan RA, Pillemer SR. Elevated blood pressure is not related to saliva flow in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL PATHOLOGY, ORAL RADIOLOGY, AND ENDODONTICS 2002; 94:179-83. [PMID: 12221385 DOI: 10.1067/moe.2002.123861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether systolic and diastolic blood pressures are associated with salivary flow, dry mouth, or dry eye symptoms in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome as compared with xerostomic control subjects. STUDY DESIGN One hundred forty consecutive patients seen at the Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic were categorized retrospectively with various classification schemes: (1) subjective dry mouth; (2) subjective dry eye; (3) European criteria; and (4) international criteria. Data collection included age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, salivary flow rate, focus score, Schirmer's test, and laboratory findings, including antinuclear antibodies, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, IgG, IgA, IgM, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor. RESULTS No meaningful associations of salivary flow rates with systolic or diastolic blood pressures were found in patients with Sjögren's syndrome or in xerostomic control subjects. An inverse correlation was seen between salivary flow and elevated diastolic blood pressure in xerostomic control subjects only. CONCLUSION Elevated blood pressure was not related to saliva flow in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Sankar
- Gene Therapy and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Ohlsson M, Gordon TP, Waterman SA. Role of anti-calcium channel and anti-receptor autoantibodies in autonomic dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome. J Neuroimmunol 2002; 127:127-33. [PMID: 12044983 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(02)00073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Auto-antibodies cross-reacting with L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) have been described in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and may mediate the cardiac defects in neonates born to mothers with pSS. L-type VGCCs are also present in autonomically innervated tissues. Therefore, the aim of this project was to investigate a role for anti-VGCC antibodies and antibodies to alpha(1)-adrenoceptors or P(2X)-purinoceptors in the autonomic dysfunction that occurs in pSS. Contraction of the sympathetically innervated vas deferens in response to stimulation of the muscle by an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist (phenylephrine) or a P(2X)-purinoceptor agonist (alpha,beta-methylene ATP) was measured in the absence and presence of 2% serum. Contractions produced by phenylephrine and by alpha,beta-methylene ATP were abolished by nicardipine, demonstrating that they are coupled to calcium influx through L-type VGCCs. Serum from patients with pSS or from healthy controls did not significantly alter the L-type channel-dependent responses of smooth muscle to agonist stimulation. We therefore conclude that pSS serum does not contain autoantibodies that functionally inhibit L-type VGCCs, alpha(1)-adrenoceptors or P(2X)-purinoceptors in smooth muscle and that such autoantibodies cannot explain the autonomic dysfunction in pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ohlsson
- Department of Immunology, Allergy and Arthritis, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
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Kovács L, Török T, Bari F, Kéri Z, Kovács A, Makula E, Pokorny G. Impaired microvascular response to cholinergic stimuli in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis 2000; 59:48-53. [PMID: 10627427 PMCID: PMC1752981 DOI: 10.1136/ard.59.1.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Signs of a parasympathetic dysfunction have been revealed in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Its role in the pathogenesis and the clinical picture of the disease is not clear. To investigate the responsiveness of SS patients to a cholinergic agonist, a model was used involving examination of the cutaneous microcirculation. The microvascular response to the administration of carbachol was measured, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist. METHODS Twenty two SS patients and 12 controls were examined. Carbachol and 0.9% saline solution were administered intracutaneously into the forearm skin at two distinct places. Skin blood flow (SBF) in the injected areas was measured continuously before and for 10 minutes after the injections by means of a laser Doppler perfusion monitor. The increase in SBF in response to carbachol (dSBF), reflecting vasodilatation, was calculated by a formula including the baseline and the maximum SBF values after the injections of carbachol and saline solution. RESULTS The vasodilatation was significantly lower in SS patients than in the controls (mean dSBF: 2.1 (range: 1.0-4.5) versus 3.3 (range: 1.7-7.6), p=0.02). With non-responder patients defined as those in whom a smaller response was observed than in any of the controls, 11 of the 22 SS patients proved to be non-responders to carbachol. Comparisons of demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics and HLA class II genotypes between responder and non-responder SS patients did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSIONS A diminished or absent response to carbachol indicates a cholinergic dysfunction in SS patients. A disturbance in the neurotransmission at a receptorial or postreceptorial level is hypothesised. Unresponsiveness to cholinergic stimuli may contribute to exocrine insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kovács
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
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